Every community has a story. Every nonprofit has a mission. But how do you bring that story to life and rally people around your cause?
Welcome to Closest to the People, where we dive into the power of storytelling to define your community, strengthen your nonprofit, and create lasting impact.
Hosted by Crystal Froese—a prairie girl with a passion for building strong communities—this podcast is for leaders, change-makers, and everyday people who want to make a difference. Crystal has done it all: from owning an award-winning winery and cheese manufacturing business to directing events both small and large, including nationally televised productions. She’s served her hometown of Moose Jaw for eight years as a City Councillor and four as a School Board Trustee, leading through the challenges of the pandemic and provincial cutbacks. With a background in public relations and local government administration, and experience serving on 10+ boards and committees, she knows what it takes to build, lead, and advocate for a community.
Why listen? Because understanding and telling your story is the key to unlocking funding, engaging supporters, and driving real change. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a local advocate, or someone passionate about making an impact, this podcast will give you the tools, insights, and inspiration to take your mission further.
Subscribe now and start shaping the story that will move your community forward!
Top Ten for Candidates Running for their Municipal Election
Running for municipal council this fall? Listen to this episode. Campaigning for the job and actually doing the job are two very different things. After years as a city councillor, Crystal Froese counts down the Top 10 things she thinks every municipal candidate should know before taking a seat at the council table. A few might surprise you. A couple might change how you campaign. Coffee-break short. Straight to the point. And #1 is the one that matters most. Thank you for t...
11 Aug 2026
The Boring Agenda: It’s Time for Status. Action. Measure.
“Systems” is the buzzword everywhere—but changing systems doesn’t have to be complicated. What if you started with your board agenda? In this episode, I introduce my Status • Action • Measure approach—a simple way to turn repetitive meetings into progress, accountability and action. Before your next board meeting, give this episode a listen. You may never look at your agenda the same way again. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share ...
15 Jul 2026
Silent Killer of Governance
Governance isn't just about making decisions; it's about building confidence in how decisions are made. What's the silent killer of a board? It's probably not what you think. In this episode of Closest to the People, Crystal Froese explores why communication isn't just a leadership skill—it's a governance responsibility. She examines how silence around expectations, feedback, and confidential decisions can slowly erode trust, even in well-intentioned organizations. "The opposite of t...
2 Jul 2026
How Do I Deal With This Person? When Personality Starts Driving the Board Instead of Purpose
If you've ever served on a board, chances are you've asked yourself that question. In this episode of Closest to the People, Crystal Froese explores one of the most overlooked challenges in leadership—board dynamics. Discover how unresolved personality conflicts can quietly derail an organization's mission, erode trust, and cause great people to disengage long before they leave. More importantly, learn how self-aware leadership and healthy governance can help boards move beyond personalities ...
17 Jun 2026
Where have all the Volunteers gone?
What happens when there aren't enough volunteers left to run the organizations we depend on? In this episode of *Closest to the People*, Crystal Froese explores the changing face of volunteering, the impact of the pandemic, social media, rising costs of living, and why many organizations are struggling to recruit and retain volunteers. The reality is that some organizations will need to adapt, restructure, merge, or rethink how they engage people if they want to thrive in the years ahead. ...
9 May 2026
Complacency Can Be a Crime
What happened in Dixon Illinois didn’t start with $53 million. It started with complacency. In this episode, Crystal Froese uses how one of the largest municipal fraud cases in North America unfolded over decades—and what it reveals about how complacency can quietly shape trust, influence, and the systems we rely on every day. This isn’t just a story about wrongdoing. It’s a conversation about the quieter risks: the decisions we don’t question, the relationships that shape outcome...
24 Mar 2026
Artist Carly Jaye Interview: The Creative Economy Driving Our City
Recorded in front of one of Moose Jaw’s most iconic murals — right at the entrance to our city — this episode of Closest to the People is all about the power of the creative economy. I’m joined by artist Carly Jaye — the talent behind this mural and many others across Moose Jaw — whose work goes far beyond walls. From transforming benches and garbage cans into public art, to shaping how our entire city feels and looks, her impact is everywhere. Surrounded by the very work we’re talking abou...
20 Mar 2026
Interview with Mayor Mark Jantzer of Minto North Dakota US
Thank you to Mayor Jantzer for spending time on Closet to the People. Talking with Mayor Jantzer, what really stood out is how similar our cities are. Prairie roots, strong ties to agriculture, rail history, and both anchored by our air bases — but more importantly, we’re dealing with the same real issues every day. Housing, workforce, infrastructure — the things that actually impact people’s lives. And it’s at this level where those conversations turn into action. Because when it comes...
16 Mar 2026
Meet Mayor Mark Jantzer of Minot North Dakota
Here is the first episode of my chat with Mayor Mark Jantzer of Minot North Dakota. Minot and Moose Jaw are so similar in many ways. In this conversation with Mayor Mark Jantzer, we cover a lot of ground — and over the next couple of episodes I’ll be breaking it down into some really interesting topics. We talk about the federal investment in the U.S. Air Force Base, and what that means for Minot’s economy, housing, and infrastructure as the community prepares for continued milit...
13 Mar 2026
My podcast guest — Mayor Mark Janzter of Minot North Dakota
Coming up New Podcast Series I’m excited to share my latest podcast guest — Mayor Mark Janzter of Minot North Dakota. We had a fascinating conversation about the surprising similarities between our two cities. Both began as railway towns on the prairies, are surrounded by strong agricultural regions, have active Air Force bases, and serve as regional hubs for rural communities. Of course, there are some differences too. As he reminded me, their Air Force base is home t...
20 Feb 2026
Non-Profits Powering Saskatchewan’s Economy
What if the real engine of Saskatchewan’s economic growth isn’t just government policy or foreign investment — but the non-profits working behind the scenes? In this episode, we explore how industry-led organizations act as bridges and supports — catalysts for economic health across the province. They connect municipalities, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government, helping move ideas from concept to action. From the rise of rural women entrepreneurs to value-added agriculture project...
16 Jan 2026
Why Do Strategic Plans Fail?
Crystal Froese discusses the common reasons strategic plans fail, emphasizing the critical role of leadership commitment in transforming plans into actionable tools.
8 Aug 2025
Up the Ladder...short and honest about building partnerships.
Crystal Froese discusses the importance of building partnerships with Members of the Legislative Assembly and Members of Parliament outside of party politics for effective local leadership.
8 Aug 2025
What It’s Really Like Being a City Councillor
Crystal Froese discusses the realities of being a city councillor, offering insights into civic life and potential surprises for those considering public office in this interview episode.
2 Apr 2025
The Power of Saying Yes
One "yes" can change everything. In this episode, we explore how a single moment of belief—one opportunity, one decision—can shape a career, a life, or even a community. Whether you're the one seeking a yes or the one in a position to give it, this story will challenge you to think about the power of opportunity and how leadership is often found in the smallest moments. 🎧 Tune in to discover how saying "yes" at the right time can create lasting impact. Thank you for tuning in. If this...
10 Mar 2025
Leading with Authenticity
Leadership is tough. It means making hard decisions, standing firm in your values, and sometimes, facing criticism for doing what’s right. In my latest podcast episode, I share a situation from my time as a City Councillor and School Board Trustee—about a moment where authenticity was tested, and what it taught me about true leadership. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader. Make sure to subscribe so you do...
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Questions about Closest to the People with Crystal Froese
Who hosts Closest to the People with Crystal Froese?
Crystal Froese host the show. Published by Crystal Froese.
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The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
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